A new Borrelia species defined by multilocus sequence analysis of housekeeping genes.

ABSTRACT: Analysis of Lyme borreliosis (LB) spirochetes, using a novel multilocus sequence analysis scheme, revealed that OspA serotype 4 strains (a rodent-associated ecotype) of Borrelia garinii were sufficiently genetically distinct from bird-associated B. garinii strains to deserve species status. We suggest that OspA serotype 4 strains be raised to species status and named Borrelia bavariensis sp. nov. The rooted phylogenetic trees provide novel insights into the evolutionary history of LB spirochetes.

SUBMITTER: Margos G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2725479 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature